On February 8, 2022 John Ronald O'Keefe passed away peacefully at home and joined our Lord in Heaven. He was a devoted husband, a loving and proud father and grandfather. Ron (as he was known to all) is survived by his two children Mary Pat O'Keefe Marut and Ryan O'Keefe, a son-in-law Dave Marut.7 grandchildren Jennifer, David, Stephen, Andrew, Da, Kaleigh and Mia. He also has 2 great grandchildren Landon and Madeline and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was born in 1932 to Joseph and Kathleen O'Keefe (deceased) he spent his childhood in Kearny, NJ and graduated from St Benedict's all boys prep school. He joined the Army at 18 years old where he was stationed in Japan and rose to the rank of Sergeant. When Ron returned from the army he returned to Kearny, earned his BA from Seton Hall University and met the love of his life Mary Elizbeth Chapman. They were married at St Cecelia's Church and remained happily married for 60 wonderful years. They settled down in Brick, NJ. There they enjoyed raising their two children they attended Mary Pat any Ryan's school activities, sporting events, brought them to the beach and went on many family vacations.
Ron was a loyal employee of IBM and retired from there. In addition to spending time with his family, Ron enjoyed bowling, gardening, tennis and golf (he even managed a hole in one). He will be fondly remembered by many for his love of all things Irish. He certainly had the Irish's gift of storytelling and tad bit of Blarney! He enjoyed planning special trips with his wife. They traveled to Alaska, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Austria and Italy just to name a few.
He had a true servants heart and never had a bad word for anyone.
We are joyful that Ron is enjoying a new life in heaven, however he will be greatly missed. Ron's spirit will continue to live on in all who knew him with their great memories of him and happy times.
